Assessing Walkability Near Metro Stations: A Case in Nagpur

Walkability is a measure of how friendly an area is for walking. Walking has health, environmental, and economic benefits to the society. It should not be a need of a person who cannot afford to have a vehicle, but it should be a part of a routine to commute every day to public spaces, offices, shops, etc. It should be by choice and not by chance as people would not want to walk unless the walk serves some purpose to them. According to the recent condition in the developing cities, walkability is a major issue in an urban setting. Walkability is directly linked to streets and public transit systems, with some factors influencing as the footpaths, sidewalks, traffic conditions, land use patterns, safety, and accessibility. Access of public transit systems is extremely important for the success of walkability, such as metro stations, bus stops, and auto stations. The street surrounding metro stations, where most of the public commutes, is known as a catchment area. The research paper aims to investigate socio-spatial conditions around three selected metro stations with respect to walkability in Nagpur city which are having schools in their proximity. The study focuses on analyzing the phenomenon of walkability, specifically near catchment areas of the selected metro stations and analyses experience of the user on walkability with respect to sidewalks, bike lanes, parking spaces, and bus transit within it. Through literature review, primary and secondary indicators were taken into consideration as physical and functional attributes, economic—policy support, social attributes, and environmental attributes. Circular catchment areas were demarcated to delineate an area within a circular radius of range 500 m. These areas were critically appraised through reconnaissance survey, and socio-spatial activities were analyzed by conducting people’s perception through questionnaire surveys among the users. Therefore, in order to understand the walkability in the Nagpur city, this research would show an in-depth study toward society and can be used to implement improvements in the area of accessibility.